9th District candidates spend holiday in different ways

MEMPHIS, TN (WMC-TV) - Decision day in the 9th Congressional District is a month and a day away from this Independence Day.

Incumbent Steve Cohen spent the holiday working the crowds while his Democratic challenger, former Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton, spent the day at a barbecue with his family.

Cohen is more visible on the campaign trail and his campaign's coffers are much fuller. Cohen's campaign has over $1 million in cash on hand.

Herenton's campaign has just over $5,000 in cash on hand.

Cohen said his campaign contributions are a testimony to the community's support of him.

"Part of being a candidate is raising money," Cohen said. "It takes a lot of time and a lot of effort. You're got to reach out to people and sometimes be rejected, but you've got to do that. It gets you in touch with the people, you listen to their issues."

Cohen has 243 individual contributors. Herenton has two individual contributors, including his campaign manager Ricky Wilkins.

A Herenton campaign representative said the candidate did not want to do any interviews on this Independence Day.